Lawo mc²56 Production Audio Console Launch

Lawo introduces the mc²56, saying it incorporates features drawn from Lawo’s mc²96 flagship console without sacrificing the identity of its predecessors – retaining the compact size, flexibility and versatile design that address applications ranging from broadcast trucks and studios to live performance and recording.

Optimized for IP video production environments, the new mc²56 has full native support for SMPTE 2110, AES67/Ravenna and Dante. According to the release, “Its established best-in-class networking performance rises to the next level with the addition of unique capabilities such as IP-Share gain compensation and DSCA Dynamic Surface to Core Allocation.”

Available in frames from 16 to 112 faders, the mc²56 supports up to 8,192 x 8,192 crosspoints, 888 DSP channels, 144 summing buses and 128 aux buses at 44.1 - 96kHz operation. In addition to Button-Glow and colored touch-sensitive encoders, new color-TFTs provide clearer color-coding of channel strips for enhanced visibility and faster access in low light conditions, while Lawo’s LiveView provides thumbnail previews of video streams directly in the fader labeling displays. With a 64-fader surface suited to most OB vehicle dimensions, a 16-fader stand-alone extender may be added to an mc²56 for subsequent expansion at any time.

The release continues, “The new mc²56’s extended free control section gives direct access to four parameters in addition to gain control for perfect balance between de-centralized and centralized control workflows. The console allows both global and individual parameter assignments to the free controls of each channel strip.”

Additionally, the console’s overbridge with capacity sensing 21.5” full HD touchscreens contains two slots for individual user panels, which can be populated from a choice of five options – 40 additional buttons, a TC automation panel, a dedicated Reveal Fader panel, a RTW TM7 Goniometer or a RTW TM9 Goniometer (occupying both slots).

Originally requested for broadcast applications, the console’s built-in loudness metering is also designed for live, theater and house of worship applications, providing full loudness control in accordance with ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85) with peak and loudness metering either separately or in combination.

The console’s local I/O provides two IP network interfaces for redundant connection of the surface’s local I/O to the Nova73 router following the SMPTE2022-7 hitless merge principles of stream and port redundancy. Comprehensive local I/O includes 16 Lawo-grade Mic/Line inputs, 16 Line outputs, eight AES3 inputs and outputs, eight GPIOs plus a local MADI port (SFP).

Lawo’s mc²56 is not limited to a stand-alone operation, but has been designed from the ground up for networking in complex production infrastructures via IP (SMPTE2110, Ravenna/AES67, Dante or MADI. When using shared Dallis (Digital Audio Line Level Interface System) I/Os, Lawo’s unique IP-Share Network Gain Compensation prevents unexpected gain changes for up to eight networked consoles when individual users are adjusting their gain settings. The Dallis I/O communicates with all networked consoles and its IP-Share algorithm sets the optimum analog gain for multi-client requirements. IP-Share additionally ensures that the corresponding gain compensation is applied to the digital gain stages of all consoles when the analog gain of the preamp is being adjusted.